Donna Merchant

Donna Marie Merchant of Hampden, born on August 26, 1946, to Lewis and Inez
Laskey, passed away leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. Preceded in death by her
brother Robert Laskey, sister Maxine Ouellette, grandson Eric Junkins Jr. Donna's life was
marked by dedication to her family and community. She is survived by her brother Edward
Laskey of Ellsworth.
Married to her husband of 60 years, Clarence Merchant of Hampden, daughter Michele
Junkins her husband Richard Smith of Carmel, son Dr. Clarence Merchant II of Hampden, granddaughters, Courtney Ripley and husband Jon Ripley of Dixmont, Gabrielle Smith and fiancé Tony of Carmel, grandson Tyler Junkins of Carmel. Special niece Karen Lee and her daughter Laurine held a
cherished place in her heart. Niece Renee Henneberry, whose life was taken through domestic
violence, shared a bond in faith..
The most precious moments in Donna's life were the times spent with her grandchildren,
playing Skipbo and Scrabble or teaching them her love of cooking. As a grandmother, she
embodied the virtues of listening, nurturing, and imparting wisdom, preparing her grandchildren
for such a time as this. Donnas most robust wisdom was imparting to her grandchildren that It’s
“NEVER” to cold for ice cream.
Donna's faith in Jesus Christ was the bedrock of her life, guiding her through a journey of
compassion and service. She was an active member of the ROTC, earned her pilot's license,
served as a Dedimus Justice, and was a Ham Radio Operator. Her commitment to social issues
began as a paralegal and continued as she took on a the role as senior manager of the
Environmental Protection Agency. Donna retired working as supervisor of Child Support
Enforcement.
A founding member of True Life Fellowship, co-owner of Maine Property Construction,
and the driving force behind the non-profit Trident Medical Home Care & Hospice in Carmel,
Donna also dedicated over 35 years as the co-director of the Oasis Food Pantry. She loved crafts,
reading books, and taking long rides to visit the coast of Maine. Her life was a testament to her
compassion, strength, and bravery. She exemplified the love of God in all her endeavors, leaving
a profound impact on those who knew her.
Donna would want you to know that "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
Donna Marie Merchant's legacy will continue to inspire and guide her family and
community. Her unwavering faith, dedication to service, and loving spirit will be remembered
and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Those whose wish to remember Donna in a special way may make gifts of support for the Oasis Food Pantry and they can be sent to: Trident Medical, 447 Main Rd, Carmel, Maine 04419, or a charity of your choice.
Relatives and friends are welcome to visiting hours from 12-1PM, August 12th, 2024, at the Hampden-Gilpatrick of Brookings-Smith, 45 Western Avenue, Hampden, with a celebration of life to follow at 1PM with Pastor Benjamin Herbest and Pastor Nick Doucette officiating. Interment will follow at Locust Grove Cemetery, Hampden. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.